Episode 14 - Mike McCann

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Mike McCann and I discuss his journey as an entrepreneur. Mike is the retired owner of Bromley Steel Fabricators located in Wesleyville, just west of Port Hope.

It was a privilege to be able to interview Mike on the show as I’ve know Mike all of my life and have admired how he has created a very successful company.

We discuss Mike's upbringing in Manchester in the 40's and 50's and how he entered the Royal Air force at the age of 15. We talk about making the move to Canada and ultimately to Port Hope.

We gain great insights from Mike as he discusses both the risk and reward of owning your own business.

Episode 13: Ian Sculthorpe

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Ian Sculthorpe and I discuss all things farming.

Ian is the owner and operator of South 50 farms. We talk about Ian’s decision to enroll into Guelph University’s agriculture program, travel to New Zealand on a farm exchange and how Ian ultimately started a grass fed beef operation just west of Port Hope. If you have any interest in understanding a bit more about farming and in particular beef farming I encourage you to listen in.

We delve further into Darren's passion for all things Italian and discussed how he was inspired to start a Tuscany food and wine tour.

Business Insights with John Racine

Episode 11: Kim Rudd

In this episode of Business Insights my guest Kim Rudd and I discuss how she was able to start her adventure into entrepreneurship through a form of job sharing.

A big part of Kim's business and personal growth came from the decision to make advocacy a part of her business foundation.

We were able to get great insights of what it takes to buy a business and put your own personal touch on it. Kim gives lots of credit to professionals who were able to tell you the truth and not sugar coat the advice, "you need someone who will say.. no"

Episode 10: Mike Woods

In this episode, Mike and I discuss how he was introduced to music and how the impact from a high school teacher help set Mike up for his future. We uncover how difficult it is to make a career in the music business and how Mike and his wife have set up several different ventures that have allowed them to reach a larger audience. You will want to listen right to the end where Mike is able to provide great insights on the commitment and mindset that will help you prepare for life as an entrepreneur.

Business Insights w/ John Racine episode 7:

Katy's story includes her love of animals, her introduction to chiropractic work, her education, starting her business, treating different kinds of animals, juggling family and a business, and much more!

Business Insights w/ John Racine episode 6

Stacy's story includes balancing her education with motherhood, her introduction to the real estate business, mentorship, growing her business, making yourself referable, working with her Mom, family and much more!

Business Insights w/ John Racine episode 5: Bill Patchett

Bill's story includes leaving school at a young age to help out at home, his introduction to the grocery business, transitioning from employee to owning multiple grocery stores, why garden centres are important, his championing of many community causes, secrets to successful fundraising, Rotary, the hospital, and much more!

Business Insights with John Racine - Episode 4

This week’s guest is Blake Holton from Holton Flowers in Port Hope

Blake's story includes finding his entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, starting Holton Flowers, the interesting story behind competing with his wife Eileen, their talented staff, how the store buys flowers, his love for owning a business in Port Hope, and much more!

Business Insights with John Racine - Episode 3

Hank Vandermeer is the owner of Vandermeer Toyota in Cobourg, Ontario.

Hank's story includes his family's history in the automotive industry, his own interest in cars from an early age, starting a business in his 20s, managing a business through periods of growth, his family's contributions to the community, and much more!

Business Insights with John Racine - Episode 2

Giorgos Kallonakis, owner-operator of Olympus Burger, is a restaurateur in Port Hope.

Giorgos' story includes his upbringing in Greece, moving to Canada, his family's passion for the restaurant industry, how the idea of Olympus Burger was born, the secrets behind its success, You Gotta Eat Here!, and much more!

Business Insights w/ John Racine episode 1: Jade Calver

Jade Calver, of Calver & Associates Immigration Services, is an Immigration Consultant with offices in Cobourg & Oshawa. Jade's story includes her upbringing & education, her introduction to the immigration field, starting a business as a young entrepreneur, the benefits of networking and much more!